Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Geneva
Conference, Volume XVI

396.1 GE/5–2454: Telegram

The United States
Delegation to the Department of
State

confidential

Geneva, May
24, 1954—10 p.m.

Secto 291. Repeated information
Paris 321, London 204, New Delhi 16. Allen (UK delegate)
said in talk he had with Menon last night Menon appeared to have been very taken aback by
vehemence of Chou En-lai’s
attack on UN during his conversation
with Menon that afternoon.
From Menon’s account,
appears Chou had largely
repeated same attack on UN as in his
speeches in Korean plenary sessions. Chou also stressed Chinese Communist views on
linking political agreements with cease-fire which Menon said contrary Indian
views.

Allen said Menon as “fiery” as ever and was
vaguely talking about “standstill agreement with modifications” in
Indochina, but seemed clear on desirability UN role in supervising any Indochina settlement. He
said thought India would accept active role “if invited by both
sides” and mentioned team composed of India and Norway.